A Quick Tour of Absolutism in the East Austria, Prussia, Poland and the Ottomans

Treaty of Westphalia 1648 Eastern Absolutism was different from that which occurred in the West of Europe. Many places in Eastern Europe (Russia in particular) did not have a “Renaissance” The HRE becomes: German States – dominated by Prussia Austrian Empire These states (Prussia, Austria, Russia) were more agrarian Serfdom dominates: peasants are tied to their lords in a system like the middle ages. Not much better than slavery.

Europe in 1660 Major characteristics of the Eastern Absolutist State: The rulers of Central and Eastern Europe shared many of the same structures. Each had a strong ruler who maintained ties with the nobility through dispensing concessions. The concessions granted to the nobility gave them far more autonomy than in the west. Consequently, the peasants suffered significantly more in eastern Europe than in the west because of enforced serfdom. The Eastern AS was characterized by the consolidation of noble control over the peasantry through the institution of a particularly harsh, or 'iron,' serfdom. As a labor shortage swept eastern Europe workers became a necessity and as a result the movement of peasants was restricted. For example, Russian peasants were only allowed freedom of movement two weeks out of the year. Free Peasants lost their land and were forced into more obligations for their lords. Political factors accounted for the new serfdom. In some countries the weaker, less effective kings were forced to concede more power to the landlords.

New Empires out of the Holy Roman Empire Prussia

What is left in the Holy Roman Empire? Less developed than Western Europe Serfdom existed

The Growth of Austria and Brandenburg-Prussia to 1748

Frederick William 1640-1688 The Great Elector Junker Frederick the Great Elector – created modern day Prussia. Inherited a kingdom that was poorly managed and weakened by the 30 Years War. Nobles didn’t want to be managed. Cities wanted economic independence. What to do? Believed that successful management of a kingdom relied on the army. Created a large and well organized military. Centralized power with strong beaureacracy. Frederick’s “deal” to control the nobles: In exchange for giving him unlimited power, he gave them unlimited power over their peasants (serfs), exempted them from taxes and gave them high ranks in the army. This reinforced serfdom in Prussia Berlin became a cultural center.

Building the Great Prussian Army Created a militaristic state run by the army Frederick William I (r. 1713-40) “Soldier King" truly established Prussian absolutism. Son of Frederick I. He created the best army in the world and gave society military values. Frederick William I always wore a uniform. Parliamentary government vanished as Frederick William enlisted the Junkers to help him. FW was intensely militaristic in a personal way. He sent agents throughout Prussia to trick and kidnap tall young men to be military recruits. Prussian mothers told their sons – stop growing or the recruiting agents will get you.” He always wore an army uniform. But his love of the army was also based on a conception that the world is dog-eat dog and that international politics is a struggle for power. ALSO strong centralized bureaucracy to run the country in an organized fashion important military actions of the state.

The Great Prussian Army: The Sparta of the North 1713- 39,000 soldiers 1740- 84,000 soldiers Ironically, Frederick didn’t want to “expend” any of his army on war, so they were always at peace. 3rd Largest Army in Europe 13th Largest Population in Europe

Tour of less successful absolutists states Austria Poland Ottomans

The Austrian Case Leopold II and Joseph II This is the family line of the Habsburg’s (think Charles V). While the 30 Years War had them give up on their claims to the German States and they focus now on building their empire in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. They push eastward invading regions in the Balkans. They run into the Ottomans and fight them over territory. When they defeat the Ottomans, they take control of Hungary and other Southeastern European states. They also, later on gain control of parts of Italy. The problems Austria has are the same that plague the HRE: disjointed, multiethnic, multi-lingual. No common sense of identity. Serfdom exists, but the monarchs are not able to obtain the level of absolutism of other countries.

Poland-Lithuania: A failed Constitutional State Situated between German States and Russia Nobles elect the King and limit royal power. The assembly was mostly made up of wealthy landowners. “Free veto” meant that laws could not pass without agreement of all members. This made government decisions impossible to pass and severely limited monarchs power.

Ottomans Ottomans also struggled with a multi-ethnic state under the autocratic control of the Sultan. Invaded Vienna in the 1600s but did not win. Lost territory to Austrian empire. This signaled the loooooooooooooooooooooooooong slooooooooooooooooow decline of the Ottomans (empire did not crumble until 1914)

Tie it all together Based on what you have read of French Absolutism (Louis XIV), Prussian Absolutism (Frederick William the Great Elector & King Frederick William I of Prussia) & Russian Absolutism (Peter the Great) what similarities & differences do you see in these monarch’s approach to their rule?